Musharraf offers to withdraw troops from LoC

Pressing for demilitarisation of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has offered to withdraw his troops from the Line of Control as part of an overall settlement of the Kashmir issue and favoured implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution.

Musharraf, in an article in the latest issue of Kashmir Affairs magazine published in London, emphasised on the four-point proposal, including setting aside options unacceptable to either side, to resolve the vexed issue.

The other proposals are acceptance of the "dispute" of Kashmir, meaningful and sustained dialogue process and examining other possible solutions acceptable to all parties, "mainly to the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

Insisting on demilitarisation, Musharraf said it "can also be part of the overall settlement. On our part we are prepared to withdraw our troops from the Line of Control as part of an overall settlement."

He recalled that he had earlier suggested that in the main cities of Jammu and Kashmir - Srinagar, Kupwara and Baramulla, "all troops could be moved out to the outskirts in order to demilitarise the cities."

"Let us use all our energies, all of our resources and all our influence to ensure that there is no militancy in these cities."

Referring to the "role and the responsibility of the international community in helping both Pakistan and India to make progress and solve this long outstanding dispute of Kashmir," he said the UN Security Council Resolution represents "a solemn commitment and promise by international community to the people of Kashmir."